Kerala government expresses confidence in conducting 35th National Games

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid reports of flaws in preparations for the 35th National Games to be held in the state from January 31, Kerala government today expressed confidence in conducting the games as scheduled.

"We are ready to host the games and most of the stadiums except for one or two have been completed," Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told reporters after reports of irregularities in the arrangements came up.

"We have still few more days and by that time all venues will be ready for the games. Sports equipment is also on its way," Radhakrishnan said.

Officials of Indian Olympic Association would inspect the venues on January 15 and 16 and "all would be clear after that", Radhakrishnan said when asked whether there was any move to postpone the games, coming to Kerala after a gap of 27 years.

The minister downplayed controversies connected with the cancellation of the release of the signature film of the Games by Governor Justice P Sathasivam yesterday and said the function could not be held as Minister P K Jayalakshmi, who is the Chairperson of the Committee connected with the event, was out of station.